For all things bikes

The Department for Transport announced a new contract to support and provide funding contributions for cycling training programme Bikeability for the remainder of the parliament.

£11m has been made available for cycle training during financial year 2011/12, which will help to deliver up to 275,000 cycle training places to school children aged between 10 and 11.

"Enabling children to learn to cycle safely and confidently on today's roads plays a valuable role in creating a new generation of cyclists. That is why we took the decision to safeguard the future of Bikeability with the aim of giving as many children as possible the opportunity to take part in Bikeability cycle training," said Transport Minister Norman Baker.

Bikeability was developed by more than 20 professional organisations including the Royal Society for Prevention against Accidents and is supported by cross-Government departments including the Department for Transport, Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families.

So far, more than 250,000 young cyclists have been trained. The aim of the programme is to train   half a million children by 2012, and their ultimate goal is that no child should leave primary school without the opportunity to take part in the training.

The rules for Local Highway Authorities and School Games Organiser Host Schools who receive Bikeability grants are also being changed to allow more flexibility of grant use. Examples include offering training to a greater age range. Currently training is aimed at year 6 school children but the changes mean that children ranging between school years 5-9 (aged 9-14) will now get the opportunity. Grant recipients will also be able to consider offering the more advanced Level 3 training. This covers complex road situations to support children cycling in busier areas.

"Bikeability promotes the benefits of cycling as a healthy and enjoyable way of getting around. On a wider level it helps to reduce congestion, gives children more opportunities for exercise, and plays a part in the fight against climate change," added Baker.

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